Process Integrated Messaging

ABSTRACT

A process integrated messaging system is provided. The system typically includes messaging interface logic, parsing logic, analyzing logic, and database interface logic. The messaging interface logic receives a first message via a messaging client from an originating party regarding a record. The parsing logic parses the first message into its component parts. The analyzing logic examines the component parts of the message and provides a decision signal in response to the contents of the component parts of the message. The database interface logic receives the decision signal, interfaces to a database, and instructs the database to update the record in accordance with the decision signal. The database controls a number of records, each of the records tracking a process and steps associated with the process. Other systems and methods are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/833,420, filedApr. 28, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to communications, and moreparticularly to applying communications to a process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Modern messaging systems allow people to communicate information to oneanother with more speed and ease. Advancements in technology have led tovoice messaging systems, electronic mail messaging systems, instantmessaging systems, etc. Each of these messaging systems has resulted inhigher productivity in the workplace in part due to increased ease ofcommunication.

Communication is especially important in various service relatedindustries, such as the legal industry. For example, poor communicationof upcoming deadlines and current events with clients can result inforfeit of rights. Thus, docketing systems were created to helpattorneys keep track of and communicate important dates to theirclients. These docketing systems typically track a process associatedwith a work-flow, allowing attorneys and clients to spend fewerresources on tracking work and more time on actually performing thework. However, reporting of dates and approval still requires spendingresources on some of the docketing activities. Therefore, there is aneed for systems and methods that address these and/or other perceivedshortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One embodiment, among others, of the present disclosure provides for aprocess integrated messaging system. A representative system, amongothers, includes messaging interface logic, parsing logic, analyzinglogic, and database interface logic. The messaging interface logicreceives a first message via a messaging client from an originatingparty regarding a record. The parsing logic parses the first messageinto its component parts. The analyzing logic examines the componentparts of the message and provides a decision signal in response to thecontents of the component parts of the message. The database interfacelogic receives the decision signal, interfaces to a database, andinstructs the database to update the record in accordance with thedecision signal. The database controls a number of records, each of therecords tracking a process and steps associated with the process.

A representative method, among others, of integrating a process with amessaging system includes the following steps: receiving a first messagevia a messaging client from an originating party regarding a record;parsing the first message into a plurality of component parts; analyzingthe plurality of component parts for a record identification and anaction; providing a decision signal responsive to the contents of theplurality of component parts; and, updating a database responsive to thedecision signal, the database being operable to control a plurality ofrecords, each of the plurality of records tracking a process and stepsassociated with the process.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer programs products according toembodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponreview of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional system, methods, and/or computerprogram products be included within this description, be within thescope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principlesof the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like referencenumerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment, among others, of a typicalcommunications system including the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment, among others, of the messagerecipient computer shown in FIG. 1, including the process integratedmessaging application of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment, among others, of the processintegrated messaging application shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an embodiment, amongothers, of the process integrated messaging application of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an embodiment, amongothers, of the analyzing logic of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the disclosure now will be described more fully withreference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areintended to convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in theart. Furthermore, all “examples” given herein are intended to benon-limiting.

Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a block diagram of a communicationssystem 100 including an embodiment, among others, of the presentdisclosure. In particular, the communications system 100 includes amessage recipient computer (client) 105 with a process integratedmessaging system (260, FIG. 2). The message recipient computer 105typically receives messages from a message originating computer 110. Themessage originating computer 110 sends messages to the message recipientcomputer 105 via a network 115 a. One skilled in the art shouldrecognize that the network 115 a could be any of a plurality of networktypes, including both internet and intranet architectures, or anycombinations thereof. For purposes of the present disclosure, however,the details of the network are not important, and it should beunderstood that any network may be used in conjunction with variousembodiments, among others, of the present disclosure.

The message is typically switched and stored by a messaging system 120,such as a server computer, for example. With specific regard toelectronic mail (e-mail), the server 120 generally include both a postoffice protocol 3 (POP3) server and a simple mail transfer protocol(SMTP) server with a multipurpose internet mail extension (MIME).Typically, the e-mail client on computers 105, 110 include a POP3component (not shown) and an SMTP component (not shown) with MIMEencapsulation for non-ascii attachments. The SMTP component on acomputer 110 will transfer an e-mail message in the SMTP format to theSMTP server residing on a server 120. The SMTP server stores the messageon the POP3 server. Alternatively, one skilled in the art shouldrecognize that the POP3 server can be replaced by, among others, aninternet message access protocol 4 (IMAP4) server which can perform allof the POP3 functions and features additional functions for flexibilityand efficiency. As mentioned before, the computers 105, 110 each have ane-mail client that includes a POP3 component. The POP3 component on thecomputer 105 can contact the POP3 server on the server 120 and retrievemessages for the user logged in to the client on computer 105. Oneskilled in the art should recognize that, although the above descriptionrelates to the operation of e-mail, that the scope of the presentdisclosure is intended to include all messaging systems, such as forexample among others, e-mail, telephone, instant messaging, voicemail,internet phone, etc. These systems are known in the art, and should bereadily adaptable to the principles of the present disclosure.

The message recipient computer 105 then typically receives the messagefrom the messaging system 120, via a network 115 b. The network in thevarious embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, is any ofa plurality of network types, including both internet and intranetarchitectures, or any combinations thereof. One skilled in the artshould recognize that the network 115 b in various embodiments, amongothers, of the present disclosure, is part of the first network 115 a.In specific reference to e-mail, as described above, a messaging client250 (FIG. 2) included on the message recipient computer 105 typicallyembodies POP3 and SMTP components (not shown). As one skilled in the artwill recognize these protocols merely relate to retrieving and sendinge-mail. As such, it is intended that other protocols which operate tosend and retrieve e-mail, such as IMAP4, are intended to be includedherein. The POP3 component in this embodiment typically downloads e-mailfrom a messaging server 120 through one of the I/O devices 220, andstores the e-mail in non-volatile storage. Moreover, the POP3 componentin an embodiment, among others, of the present disclosure can be set upto retrieve messages for more than one e-mail account. Again, it shouldbe understood, that any messaging systems operable to send and receivemessages (instant messages, voice, e-mail, etc.) are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, evendistributed systems which do not include a server which is operable tostore and forward messages are intended to be included within the scopeof the present disclosure.

The message recipient computer 105 is further includes a database 125.The database 125 is typically operable to track a process associatedwith a work-flow. For example, among others, a patent docketing systemsuch as Technology Assessment Management System (TAMS), availableComputer Patent Annuities (CPA) Software Solutions, of Le Pecq (Paris),France, operates to track the process of patenting a disclosure which isassociated with the workflow of actually preparing the necessary filingsfor advancing the patenting process. The database 125 would thereforetypically include, among others, a plurality of records related to thefiles currently pending, and a plurality of fields related to the statusof the record. Moreover, in various embodiments, among others, of thepresent disclosure, the database could be built such that it recognizesan expected next step in the process and notifies the user if theupdated status does not match the expected next step. Furthermore, oneskilled in the art should recognize that in various embodiments, amongothers, of the present disclosure, the database is on a separate systemthan the message recipient computer 105, and the message recipientcomputer 105 merely contains an application to interface with thedatabase 125.

Referring now to FIG. 2, shown is a block diagram of an embodiment,among others, of the message recipient computer 105 shown in FIG. 1.Generally, in terms of hardware architecture, as shown in FIG. 2, themessage recipient computer 105 includes a processor 200, memory 210, andone or more input and/or output (I/O) devices 220 (or peripherals) thatare communicatively coupled via a local interface 230. The localinterface 230 is, for example but not limited to, one or more buses orother wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The localinterface 230 typically has additional elements, which are omitted forsimplicity, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters,and receivers, among others, to enable communications. Further, thelocal interface includes address, control, and/or data connections toenable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor 200 is a hardware device for executing software,particularly that stored in memory 210. The processor 200 is typicallyany custom made or commercially available processor, a centralprocessing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processorsassociated with the message recipient computer 105, a semiconductorbased microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), amacroprocessor, or generally any device for executing softwareinstructions.

The memory 210 includes any one or combination of volatile memoryelements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM,etc.)) and nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape,CDROM, etc.). Moreover, the memory 210 may incorporate electronic,magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Note that thememory 210 in some implementations has a distributed architecture, wherevarious components are situated remote from one another, but can beaccessed by the processor 210.

The software in memory 210 includes one or more separate programs 240,250, 260, 270 each of which comprises an ordered listing of executableinstructions for implementing logical functions. In the example of FIG.2, the software in the memory 210 includes a messaging client 250, aprocess integrated messaging application 260, a database interfaceapplication for interfacing with a database 270, and a suitableoperating system (O/S) 240. The operating system 240 essentiallycontrols the execution of other computer programs, such as the messagingclient 250, the process integrated messaging application 260, and thedatabase interface application 270, and provides scheduling,input-output control, memory management, and communication control andrelated services.

The messaging client 250, the process integrated messaging application260, and the database interface application 270 are source programs,executable program (object code), script, or any other entity comprisinga set of instructions to be performed. When a source program, then theprogram needs to be translated via a compiler, assembler, interpreter,or the like, which may or may not be included within the memory 210, soas to operate properly in connection with the O/S 250. Furthermore, themessaging client 250, process integrated messaging application 260, anddatabase interface application 270 are typically written as (a) anobject oriented programming language, which has classes of data andmethods, or (b) a procedure programming language, which has routines,subroutines, and/or functions, for example but not limited to, C, C++,Pascal, Basic, Fortran, Cobol, Perl, Java, and Ada.

The I/O devices 220 typically include input devices, for example but notlimited to, a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, etc. Furthermore,the I/O devices 220 typically also includes output devices, for examplebut not limited to, a printer, display, etc. Finally, the I/O devices220 in some implementations further include devices that communicateboth inputs and outputs, for instance but not limited to, amodulator/demodulator (modem; for accessing another device, system, ornetwork), ethernet card, a radio frequency (RF) or other transceiver, atelephonic interface, a bridge, a router, etc.

The software in the memory 210 typically further includes a basic inputoutput system (BIOS) (omitted for simplicity). The BIOS is a set ofessential software routines that initialize and test hardware atstartup, start the O/S 240, and support the transfer of data among thehardware devices. The BIOS is stored in ROM so that the BIOS istypically executed when the server 115 is activated.

When the message recipient computer 105 is in operation, the processor200 is configured to execute software stored within the memory 210, tocommunicate data to and from the memory 210, and to generally controloperations of the message recipient computer 105 pursuant to thesoftware. The messaging client 250, the process integrated messagingapplication 260, the database interface application 270, and the O/S240, in whole or in part, but typically the latter, are read by theprocessor 200, perhaps buffered within the processor 200, and thenexecuted.

When the messaging client 250, process integrated messaging application260, and database interface application 270 are implemented in software,as is shown in FIG. 2, it should be noted that the messaging client 250,process integrated messaging application 260, and database interfaceapplication 270 are stored on any computer readable medium for use by orin connection with any computer related system or method. In the contextof this document, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magnetic,optical, or other physical device or means that contains or store acomputer program for use by or in connection with a computer relatedsystem or method. The messaging client 250, process integrated messagingapplication 260, and database interface application 270, in variousimplementations, are embodied in any computer-readable medium for use byor in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, orother system that can fetch the instructions from the instructionexecution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. Inthe context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” is any meansthat can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for useby or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, ordevice. The computer readable medium is typically, for example but notlimited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared,or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. Morespecific examples (a nonexhaustive list) of the computer-readable mediumwould include the following: an electrical connection (electronic)having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), arandom access memory (RAM) (electronic), a read-only memory (ROM)(electronic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM,or Flash memory) (electronic), an optical fiber (optical), and aportable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note that thecomputer-readable medium in some implementations is even paper oranother suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as theprogram can be electronically captured, via for instance opticalscanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted orotherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then storedin a computer memory.

The messaging client 250 in various embodiments, among others, of thepresent disclosure operates as described in reference to FIG. 1.Furthermore, those skilled in the art should readily understand thedetails of including a messaging system on a computer. The databaseinterface application 270 is typically used to interface with thedatabase 125. As known to those skilled in the art, the databaseinterface application 270 can be used by an administrator or anotheruser with appropriate access authority to modify the records and/orfields stored in the database. The process integrated messagingapplication 260 in one embodiment, among others, of the presentdisclosure integrates the messaging client 250 and the databaseinterface application 270.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a block diagram depicting theinteraction of the programs 250, 260, 270 stored in the memory 210 ofthe message recipient computer 105. In particular, the processintegrated messaging application 260 includes, among others, messaginginterface logic 300, parsing logic 310, analyzing logic 320, anddatabase interface logic 330. For purposes of furthering understandingof the present disclosure, the messaging interface logic 300 is shownconnected to the messaging client 250, and the database interface logic330 is shown connected to the database interface application 270, thoughthere exists no permanent physical connection between these items.Instead, a logical connection is what is intended to be conveyed betweenthese elements.

The messaging interface logic 300 is used as an interface between themessaging client 250 and the process integrated messaging application260. The messaging interface logic 300 is typically operable tocommunicate with the messaging client 250. In particular, the messaginginterface logic 300 receives event stimuli from the messaging client250, and sends the messaging client 250 requests to transfer messages tothe process integrated messaging application 260. Furthermore, themessaging interface logic 300, in some embodiments, among others, of thepresent disclosure is operable to transfer an outgoing message to themessaging client 250 and instruct the messaging client 250 to send themessage. One skilled in the art should further recognize that, in someembodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, the messaginginterface logic 300 is operable to instruct the messaging client todelete messages for purposes of saving memory. One example, amongothers, of a suitable messaging interface is the .NET (dotNET)application programming interface (API) available from Microsoft, Corp.of Redmond, Wash.

Upon receiving each of the messages from the messaging client 250, viathe messaging interface logic 300, the process integrated messagingapplication 260 will typically parse the message using the parsing logic310. In particular the parsing logic is operable to separate the messageinto its component parts. For example, a message is typically separatedinto component parts which can include, among others: a “From” fieldrepresentation; a “To” field representation; a “Subject” fieldrepresentation; a “Text” field representation; and, a “Signature” fieldrepresentation. One skilled in the art would understand that each ofthese component parts represents a separate portion of an e-mailmessage. However, it should be understood that other types of messageswill typically include component parts which differ from the componentparts enumerated above. Moreover, it should be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art how to parse these other types of messages tointegrate them with the database interface application 270. For example,among others, a telephonic message could be parsed by capturing acaller's identification, and using speech recognition software toconvert the voice message to text.

The parsed message is then analyzed by the analyzing logic 320. Theanalyzing logic 320 scans the component parts of the message todetermine, among others, what file is referenced and what action isrequested, and in some embodiments, among others, the analyzing logic isoperable to compose an outgoing message to a responsible partyassociated with the database 125 of the updated status. This messagewill typically be sent from the messaging client via the messaginginterface logic 300. Moreover, in some embodiments, among others, of thepresent disclosure, the analyzing logic 320 is operable to determinewhether the action is an expected action based upon the typical stepsinvolved in completion of the process, and is further operable tocompose a message to the responsible party notifying the responsibleparty that an unexpected status update was received. In variousembodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, an unexpectedstatus update could be applied to the database, ignored until a responsefrom the responsible party is received, or ignored for updating manuallyby the responsible party via the database interface application.Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that theanalyzing logic in some embodiments, among others, of the presentdisclosure compares the “From” field representation with storedauthorized parties prior to applying the update, and further notifiesthe responsible party if the “From” field representation does not matchthe stored authorized parties.

Upon analyzing the component parts of the message, the analyzing logic320 instructs the database interface logic 330 to send an update to thedatabase interface application 270, provided that the update isrecognized by the analyzing logic 320, and includes an expected updateand/or by an authorized party in alternative embodiments, among others,of the present disclosure. The database interface logic 330 is typicallyoperable to communicate updates to the database interface application270. One skilled in the art should recognize, however, that inalternative embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, thedatabase interface logic 330 is operable to interface directly to thedatabase 125. Therefore, various embodiments, among others, of thepresent disclosure do not include the database interface application.Furthermore, in some embodiments, among others, of the presentdisclosure, the database is operable to respond to status updates fromthe database interface logic 330 with an error signal indicating that aproblem occurred while attempting to update the record in accordancewith instructions from the database interface logic 330. The databaseinterface logic 330 would communicate the error signal to the analyzinglogic 320, and the analyzing logic 320 would compose a messageindicating the update failure to the responsible party.

One skilled in the art should recognize that in some embodiments, amongothers, of the present disclosure, the process integrated messagingsystem is integrated into the messaging client 250. Thus, the processintegrated messaging system 260 would not use the messaging interfacelogic 300 to communicate with the messaging client, because themessaging client 250 is included within the process integrated messagingsystem 260. Similarly, the database 125 in some embodiments, amongothers, of the present disclosure is integrated within the processintegrated messaging system 260. Those skilled in the art shouldrecognize that such an integration would similarly eliminate thedatabase interface logic 330.

One skilled in the art should recognize that alternative embodiments,among others, of the present disclosure exist, wherein the processintegrated messaging application include authentication logic (notshown). The authentication logic could be used to help ensure that theperson sending the message is authorized to update the status of therecord. Moreover, the authentication logic could be used to help ensurethat the person sending the message is in fact the person he or sheclaims to be. For example, an e-mail message could be analyzed for asignature that includes the correct pretty-good-privacy (PGP) key, avoice could be analyzed and compared with an existing record of theperson's voice, a video could be analyzed and compared with an existingrecord of the person's image, etc. The authentication logic could beespecially useful when dealing with sensitive information, such as isthe case with most legal docketing systems.

Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a flowchart illustrating the operationof an embodiment, among others, of the process integrated messagingapplication of FIG. 2. In step 400, the process integrated messagingapplication 260 receives a new incoming message indication. Typically,all messaging clients 250 have a way to alert the user to a new incomingmessage. For example, among others, voicemail typically has a visualindicator such as a flashing light to indicate a new message, e-mailclients typically sound an audible indicator and put a new message iconin the tray, and instant messaging typically also uses an audiblemessage indicator as well as a tray icon. As such, the processintegrated messaging application 260, specifically the messaginginterface logic 300 (FIG. 3) can trigger upon sensing one of these newmessage indications from the messaging client 250.

In step 405, the process integrated messaging application 260 downloadsand converts the message from the messaging client 250. The messaginginterface logic 300 requests the message from the messaging client 250.Upon receiving the message from the messaging client 250, the messaginginterface logic 300 is operable to convert the message into a formatusable by the process integrated messaging application 260.

In step 410, the process integrated messaging application 260 parses themessage into its component parts. Specifically, the parsing logic 310 isoperable to strip the message in component parts. For example, an e-mailwould typically include, among others, a “From” field representation, a“Subject” field representation, and a “Body” field representation. Thesefield representations would be separated by the parsing logic such thatthe field representations could be more easily analyzed.

In step 415, the process integrated messaging application 260 analyzesthe component parts of the message. In particular, the analyzing logic320 is operable to search the component parts for patterns that resemblethe data stored in the database 125 and update actions to be made to thedatabase 125. For example, the data stored in the database 125 in someembodiments, among others, is docketing information. In this example,the analyzing logic would search for a file number, and an action orstatus update to be performed. The analyzing logic in some embodiments,among others, is also operable to analyze the originator of the messageto ensure that the originator of the message has permission to performthe requested action or status update.

In step 420, the process integrated messaging application 260 instructsthe database to update in accordance with the analyzing step 415. Inparticular, the database interface logic 330 is operable to instruct thedatabase interface application 270 to perform an action or status updateon the record stored in the database 125. The information provided bythe analyzing logic 320 is used by the database interface logic toprovide the action or status update instructions to the databaseinterface application 270.

In step 420, the process integrated messaging application 260 receivesan acknowledgement from the database interface application 270 regardingwhether the action or status update was successful. If the action orstatus update was not successful, the process integrated messagingapplication 260, in some embodiments, among others, of the presentdisclosure provides notice to a responsible party regarding the failureof the action or status update, as shown by step 430. In particular, theanalyzing logic 320 in various embodiments, among others, is operable tocompose an error message and send the message to the responsible partyvia the messaging interface logic 300 and the messaging client 250. Theresponsible party, in various embodiments, among others, is a databaseadministrator, the message originator, a third party responsible fortracking the database, or any combination thereof.

If the action or status update was successful, in some embodiments,among others, of the present disclosure the process integrated messagingapplication requests the record from the database, and analyzes therecord to determine whether a next step can be determined from therecord, as shown in step 435. In particular, the analyzing logic 320 insome embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure is operable toinstruct the database interface logic 330 to retrieve the record fromthe database 125. The analyzing logic 320 then determines whether therecord is an important record based on indicators used in the process,such as, for example, a due date, to determine importance of the record.It should be noted that in various embodiments, among others, of thepresent disclosure, the importance of a record is based upon a nextsequence in a process associated with the record, an event associatedwith the process, or an intrinsic importance associated with the matteror record itself. It should also be noted that, in some embodiments,among others, of the present disclosure, the importance of a recordcould be variable, e.g. based on a sum of the importance of some or allof the fields that comprise the record. In a patent docketing system,these indicators could be a foreign filing, an important date,restriction requirements, continuations, or even a flag added to therecord to indicate a level of importance.

In step 440, the process integrated messaging application 260 decideswhether the record is important. If the record is not important, theprocess integrated messaging application 260 sends a message to themessage originator to acknowledge receipt of the update, as shown instep 445. In particular, as discussed above, the analyzing logic 320 invarious embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure, isoperable to compose a message and send a message via the messaginginterface logic 300 and the messaging client 250. The analyzing logic320 is further configured in some embodiments, among others, to send amessage to the responsible party to notify him or her of the action orstatus update.

If the record is important, the process integrated messaging system 260sends a message to the responsible party, as shown in step 450. In anembodiment, among others, of the present disclosure, the analyzing logictypically composes a message notifying a responsible party of theimportance of the file. For example, among others, in a patent docketingsystem, the message might include approval to begin work on completingthe next step in the process. In this example, the analyzing logic maydetermine that a critical date is imminent, and that the work should becompleted, or that the record is related to an important file, and thatall work to complete the process should be completed as soon aspossible. One skilled in the art should recognize that these are merelya few examples of the characteristics that might make acceleratedprocessing of the record significant, and that all other characteristicswhich make accelerated processing significant are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a flowchart illustrating anembodiment, among others, of the analyzing logic 320 of FIG. 3. In step500, the analyzing logic 320 examines the component parts of thepreviously parsed message for a record identification number. In anembodiment, among others, where the database 125 is a docketingdatabase, the record identification number is a file number. Theanalyzing logic 320 in one embodiment, among others, periodically pollsthe database 125 for new records, and adds the record identificationnumber associated with any new records to a record identification list.Upon receipt of a new message, the analyzing logic then compares therecord identification list with the component parts of the message todetermine whether a valid record identification number exists in themessage. It should be recognized that the analyzing logic could searchthe text against each file number. However, alternatively, the analyzinglogic could search for a pattern that matched a standard format forrecord identification numbers, and compare any matching patterns foundto the record identification list. In yet another alternativeembodiment, the analyzing logic 320 could merely search for a patternmatching the record identification pattern, and rely on the database 125to determine whether the record exists and to provide an error messageif the record does not exist. Those skilled in the art should recognizemyriad other searching techniques, including pattern recognition logic,that could be applied to the present disclosure, and it is intended thateach such searching technique be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

In step 510, the analyzing logic determines whether there is a validrecord identification number. If there is no valid record identificationnumber, the analyzing logic 320 sends a reply message to a responsibleparty indicating the error that occurred, as shown in step 520. Asdiscussed previously, the analyzing logic 320 is operable to compose amessage indicating the error that occurred, and send the message via themessaging interface logic 300 and the messaging client 250. Further, theresponsible party could be database administrator, the messageoriginator, a third party responsible for tracking the database, or anycombination thereof. Moreover, the error message can be tailored to thespecific error encountered. In other words, the error message can notifythe responsible party that no valid record identification was found inthe original message.

If in step 510, there is a valid record identification number, theanalyzing logic 320 examines the component parts of the message for anaction or status update. The analyzing logic 320 in one embodiment,among others, compares a list of recognized commands with the componentparts of the message. Alternatively, the analyzing logic 320 in someembodiments, among others, is operable to query the database 125 via thedatabase interface logic 330 and database interface application 270 forcurrent status of the record. The analyzing logic 320 is then operableto determine what step(s) may be likely to be next, and searching thecomponent parts of the message for the likely next step(s). One skilledin the art should recognize, however, that there exist myriadprocedures, including pattern recognition logic, among others, which maybe utilized to find an action in conjunction with the presentdisclosure. Each of these procedures is intended to be included withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

In step 540, the analyzing logic 320 determines whether a valid actionor status update has been found within the component parts of themessage. If there have been no valid actions or status updates foundwithin the component parts of the message, the analyzing logic composesan error message and sends the error message to a responsible party viathe messaging interface logic 300 and the messaging client 250, inaccordance with step 550. The responsible party, in various embodiments,among others, of the present disclosure is a database administrator, themessage originator, or a third party responsible for tracking thedatabase, or any combination thereof. Moreover, the error message can betailored to the specific error encountered. In other words, the errormessage can notify the responsible party that no valid action was foundin the original message, and in some embodiments, among others, providesa list of valid actions.

If a valid action was found in step 540, the analyzing logic 320 sendsthe update information to the interface logic. The update informationincludes the record identification number and the action to be performedto update the status of the record. One skilled in the art shouldrecognize that in some embodiments, among others, the analyzing logic320 includes an authentication step(s) which matches the messageoriginator to a list of approved users with authorization to update therecord. In alternative embodiments, among others, the record in thedatabase 125 contains an authorized user field which is checked againstthe message originator to help ensure that unauthorized users do nottamper with the database 125.

One skilled in the art should further recognize that in someembodiments, among others, of the present disclosure that the examiningsteps 500, 530 eliminate some of the component parts of the message suchthat not every component part of the message is examined. For example,among others, the “From” field representation of an e-mail wouldtypically not be examined for the record identification number or for avalid action to be performed on the record. As such, the analyzing logic320 in some embodiments, among others, of the present disclosure areoperable to examine the component parts of the message which are likelyto include the items for which the analyzing logic is searching.

Process and function descriptions and blocks in flow charts can beunderstood as representing, in some embodiments, modules, segments, orportions of code which include one or more executable instructions forimplementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, andalternate implementations are included within the scope of the presentdisclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from thatshown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverseorder, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understoodby those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Inaddition, such functional elements can be implemented as logic embodiedin hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, among others.In some embodiments involving software implementations, such softwarecomprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementinglogical functions and can be embodied in any computer-readable mediumfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system,processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch theinstructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or deviceand execute the instructions. In the context of this document, acomputer-readable medium can be any means that can contain, store,communicate, propagate, or transport the software for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

It should also be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations setforth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure.Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-describedembodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from theprinciples of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andthe present disclosure and protected by the following claims.

1. A process integrated messaging system, comprising: messaginginterface logic operable to receive a first message via a messagingclient from an originating party regarding a record; parsing logicoperable to parse the first message into a plurality of component parts;analyzing logic operable to authenticate the originating party, whereinthe plurality of component parts are examined separately and provide thedecision signal responsive to the contents of the plurality of componentparts and authentication of the origination party; and databaseinterface logic operable to receive the decision signal and interface toa database and instruct the database to update the record responsive tothe decision signal, the database being operable to control a pluralityof records, each of the plurality of records tracking a process andsteps associated with the process.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein theanalyzing logic comprises pattern recognition logic is operable tosearch component parts of the first message for patterns that resembledata stored in the database.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein thepatterns comprise video content.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein thepatterns comprise audio content.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein thepatterns comprise text content.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thedatabase is a docketing system.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein theanalyzing logic is further operable to instruct the messaging interfacelogic to send a second message to at least one responsible party, thesecond message including status regarding the record.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the messaging interface logic is operable to receive athird message from said at least one responsible party, the thirdmessage providing instructions regarding handling of the record.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the analyzing logic is operable to update therecord in accordance with the third message and instruct the messaginginterface logic to send a fourth message to the originating party, thefourth message providing instructions for further handling of a fileassociated with the record.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein thedecision signal is further operable to instruct the database interfacelogic to open a database application to perform the database update. 11.A method of integrating a process with a messaging system, the methodcomprising: receiving a first message via a messaging client from anoriginating party regarding a record; parsing the first message into aplurality of component parts; analyzing the plurality of component partsfor a record identification and an action to be performed;authenticating the originating party; providing a decision signalresponsive to the contents of the plurality of component parts andauthentication of the originating party; and updating a databaseresponsive to the decision signal, the database being operable tocontrol a plurality of records, each of the plurality of recordstracking a process and steps associated with the process.
 12. The methodof claim 11, further comprising: matching a pattern in the first messageto existing records in the database to recognize actions that can beperformed on the records in the database; and providing a decisionsignal responsive to the pattern recognition logic.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the pattern comprises video content.
 14. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the pattern comprises audio content.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the pattern comprises text content.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the database is a docketing system.
 17. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising sending a second message to at least oneresponsible party, the second message including status regarding therecord.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising receiving a thirdmessage from said at least one responsible party, the third messageproviding instructions regarding handling of the record.
 19. The methodof claim 18, further comprising: updating the record in accordance withthe third message; and sending a fourth message to the originatingparty, the fourth message providing instructions for further handling ofa file associated with the record.
 20. A computer readable medium havinga program for integrating a process with a messaging system, the programoperable to perform: receiving a first message via a messaging clientfrom an originating party regarding a record; parsing the first messageinto a plurality of component parts; analyzing the plurality ofcomponent parts for a record identification and an action to beperformed; authenticating the originating party; providing a decisionsignal responsive to the contents of the plurality of component partsand authentication of the originating party; and updating a databaseresponsive to the decision signal, the database being operable tocontrol a plurality of records, each of the plurality of recordstracking a process and steps associated with the process.
 21. Thecomputer readable medium of claim 20, further comprising: matching apattern in the first message to existing records in the database torecognize actions that can be performed on the records in the database;and providing a decision signal responsive to the pattern recognitionlogic.
 22. The computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the patterncomprises at least one of video content and audio content.
 23. Thecomputer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the pattern comprises textcontent.
 24. The computer readable medium of claim 20, furthercomprising sending a second message to at least one responsible party,the second message including status regarding the record.
 25. Thecomputer readable medium of claim 24, further comprising: receiving athird message from said at least one responsible party, the thirdmessage providing instructions regarding handling of the record;updating the record in accordance with the third message; and sending afourth message to the originating party, the fourth message providinginstructions for further handling of a file associated with the record.